best budget Dominican R or FLA gulf hotel?

[mtquinn]

Looking to vacation for a few days with a friend in mid-July. Trying to keep this as budget as possible, but I also want to go somewhere new. We live near Philly, and we are in our mid-40's.

Thinking DR, with some sort of all inclusive deal, but I am so unfamiliar. Looks lovely there, though. Have seen some deals with air included for about $750. Anyone been?

Been to Miami, so I am not looking for that again, but I have never been to the Gulf Coast of FLA. Can anyone recommend a good budget hotel in a great location? If it isn't all inclusive, are there budget places to eat nearby?

Since it's only for a few nights, we can't travel or fly far. We've been to the NJ and MD shores, so that's out. Driving further than that is silly, as flying will do the trick, too... as long as the flight is relatively short.

Need a beach vacay! Preferably in a place that is beautiful, with not a ton of kids running around (trying to leave that at home!) and we also don't want a spring break atmosphere. But, we do like lively and fun.

Thanks!

 

[taymorel]

We stayed at the all inclusive resort, Riu Palace Bavaro hotel in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic and we loved it. That is still the best vacation we have ever had. We took our son, but it was not a lot of children there. There are some adult only hotels in the DR that you may want to look at. Tripadvisor can give you some good ideas on hotels. We booked on expedia and they have some good deals on all inclusive vacations

Dominican Republic is so beautiful and has the best beaches we have ever seen.

 

[dancin Disney style]

If you opt to go to the DR don't go with anything that is lower than 4 stars...you will be sorry. You have to keep in mind that they are a poor country and while they try VERY hard to please the standards are just not the same as in North America. A 4 or 5 star property will be more than acceptable. I love the DR and have stayed at the Princess resorts, Royal Catalonia and Catalonia Bavaro. The Riu's are nice and so are the the Bahia Principe resorts. There is a brand new resort in PC called the Chic. It is supposed to be excellent. The beach on the Punta Cana side is better than the Puerto Plata side but PP is still nice. There are less options for the 4-5 stars on the PP side but they are always less expensive than PC.

If you go the PP avoid the public beaches. They are full of beggers and filthy stray dogs. By far the most beautiful beach is in Sosua Bay near PP but it's a public beach and it's rather unpleasant to be there and constantly harassed by the locals.

Something else to know. Small tips go a VERY long way to getting top notch service at the resorts. Literally, a $1 tip will make friends. They work very hard for very little money. The tips are appreciated.